Exclusive: Endemol Shine Poland chief Ryszard Sibilski departs after almost two decades

Ryszard Sibilski (Source: Banijay)

Ryszard Sibilski, the veteran MD of Banijay-owned Endemol Shine Poland, is to leave the company after almost two decades, TBI has learned.

Sibilski has been behind a raft of scripted and unscripted programming during his 17 years with Endemol Shine Poland and its predecessors, producing shows for buyers including Polish broadcasters TVP, TVN and Polsat, as well as streamers Viaplay, Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Lego Masters (Source: Cezary Piwowarski/TVN)

His next move is not yet known, while TBI understands a replacement at Endemol Shine Poland is set to be announced in the coming months.

Scripted releases during his tenure include local adaptations of Dutch formats Roses And Vodka Lime and Penoza, as well as period dramas for TVP such as Our Century (Stulecie Winnych) and Under The Old Oak Tree (Dewajtis).

Sibilski also oversaw a surge in format remakes, with 26 seasons of Money Drop produced, alongside domestic versions of Big Brother, MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, Your Face Sounds Familiar and Deal Or No Deal.

He also set up a local hub for The Wall in Warsaw, filming the Polish version as well as hosting international productions from the UK, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Israel, Greece, Finland and Romania.

Endemol Shine Poland began life in 1997 and was known as Endemol-Neovision, before the Dutch format giant bought out ITI Group’s 50% share to create Endemol Polska. It was subsequently acquired by Banijay as part of its Endemol Shine acquisition in 2020.

“Banijay can confirm Ryszard Sibilski, managing director of Endemol Shine Poland, has taken the decision to leave the business after almost 18 years,” the production giant told TBI.

“Throughout his tenure, he dedicated his time to making the business a go-to for quality-led productions, developing both local originals and reimaging our catalogue favourites for his audiences. We wish him all the best with his next endeavour and have no doubt, given our industry, our paths will cross in the future.”

Sibilski added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to lead Endemol Shine Poland for nearly 18 years, but now is the time to move on and try my hand at something new.

“I leave behind a strong business, with talent and creativity at its core. A home for brilliant brands and ratings successes, we have always played a key role in shaping the cultural zeitgeist and for that I am proud. I look forward to sharing what comes next.”